History

Overview

ADVOCAP, a non-profit community action agency, was founded in 1966 to fight poverty within our local communities. We do this by designing and implementing programs that empower people in Fond du Lac, Green Lake and Winnebago counties to break the cycle of poverty. Individuals and families build on their strengths and participate in opportunities that will develop the knowledge and skills they need to strengthen their economic future.

Our anti-poverty programs help low-income persons secure affordable housing, gain employment skills and training, start a small business and become self-employed, volunteer at schools and daycares, become actively involved in their children's learning, remain independent in their homes, and reduce the amount of home energy costs just to name a few.

For over 50 years we have been helping families change their destiny.

History

Community Action Agencies (CAAs) are non-profit private and public organizations established under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 to fight poverty. CAAs help people to help themselves in achieving self-sufficiency. Today there are approximately 1,000 CAAs serving the poor in every state as well as Puerto Rico and the Trust Territories.

In 1965, the Fond du Lac County Board of Supervisors voted to create its own CAA, and in early 1966, the Fond du Lac Economic Opportunity Committee, Inc. was formed as a private non-profit corporation. In November 1971, the name was changed to ADVOCAP, Inc. to emphasize its major role of “advocacy” for low-income people through “Community Action Programs” which help them become self-sufficient.

In 1972, the Winnebago County Board of Supervisors designated ADVOCAP as its Community Action Agency. And in 1995, ADVOCAP was selected by Green Lake County as its CAA.

The Community Action Promise

Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.